SafePlants

Chamaecrista: A Botanical Overview

The genus Chamaecrista belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae, specifically the subfamily Caesalpinioideae. Several species within this genus are commonly referred to as "sensitive" plants.

Considerations for Pets

• Several Chamaecrista species are known for having "sensitive leaves" which could be attractive to pets who like to chew on or play with plants.
• The seed pods of Chamaecrista "suddenly and forcibly dehisce," meaning they split open explosively to release seeds. These seeds might present a choking hazard or digestive upset if ingested by small pets.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chamaecrista Moench
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
• Synonyms:
  • Cassia infragen.unranked Chamaecrista L.

Common Names

• Sensitive Plant
• Sleepingplant
• Sleeping Pea
• Sensitive Pea

Species Spotlight: Chamaecrista fasciculata

Chamaecrista fasciculata, also known as partridge pea, is a legume species native to most of the eastern United States.

• Scientific Name: Chamaecrista fasciculata (Michx.) Greene
• Synonyms:
  • Cassia fasciculata
• Growth Habit: An annual plant that typically grows to approximately 0.5 meters (approximately 2 feet). However, other sources note that Chamaecrista fasciculata can grow to 2-3 feet (1 meter).

Species Spotlight: Chamaecrista nictitans

Chamaecrista nictitans is also known as sensitive cassia, sensitive partridge pea, small partridge pea, or wild sensitive plant. It is a herbaceous legume species widely distributed in the Neotropics, as well as the southern and eastern USA.

• Growth Habit: An annual leguminous herb.

Distribution and Habitat

• Chamaecrista absus has a very large geographical distribution and is considered a common species.
• Chamaecrista fasciculata can be found in tall grass prairies and disturbed sites in North America.

Ecological Role

• Chamaecrista fasciculata is noted as being a non-parasitic annual plant on the prairie, unlike many others that are parasitic on the roots of perennial plants.
• The seeds of Chamaecrista fasciculata are a food source for various birds, including bobwhite quail.

Morphological Characteristics

• Chamaecrista species tend to be herbaceous plants and small shrubs.
• The seed pods of Chamaecrista split lengthwise, and the seeds are flattened from front to back.
• Chamaecrista fasciculata features yellow flowers.

Other Chamaecrista Species Mentioned:

• Chamaecrista absus
• Chamaecrista calycioides
• Chamaecrista chamaecristoides
• Chamaecrista deeringiana
• Chamaecrista diphylla
• Chamaecrista frondosa
• Chamaecrista mimosoides
• Chamaecrista plumosa
• Chamaecrista rotundifolia

Quirky Facts

• Some Chamaecrista species have "sensitive leaves," meaning they may react to touch.
• Chamaecrista fasciculata is emerging as a nonpapilionoid model within the subfamily Caesalpinioideae.

Further Information

• The PLANTS Database
• The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)